Qu (9) Of course this arrangement applicable to slats and would obviate 
the greatest objection two slats. Could the long ones safely, could set them 
down like frames. Could easily empty them in [illegible]. The
bottoms when slats were used might be kept from [illegible] apart by fine
annealed wire, when filled with comb alright. So if for any 
reason slats preferred - may be used. It is obvious that 
they would be cheaper than frames and would occupy less room. Would also
prevent so much escape of heat above and enable bees to cluster or back up against
front or rear of hive crossed out same as they naturally do in any cavity, also to pass
more freely from comb to comb, as comb would not be attached their whole 
length. By using say 2 frames in each hive on the outside (four in all) 
easy to remove them so as from above to get at slats to cut the connection.
We should now have a compromise between the slats and 
frames, and I should not be at all surprised if it [illegible] a
better arrangement, all things considered [illegible] the frames. Of course
this while style of frame or slat patentable, and if it works as well
in practice as it would seem [illegible] it next, the patent 
would be very reliable. Slats on this plan got up by anyone else
would frames (so it now seems to me) [illegible] with my frames 
and might even in long run [illegible] them, [illegible] so much [illegible] 
the whole of this plan has been the result of [illegible] thought today,
and I still at once try with the slats and frames, and [illegible] with 
the deepest interest the result. The slats not only cheaper but dispensing 
with thick uprights and bottom piece will make so much less wooden 
surface as to be an important construction in cold climates. Not over 
1/3 as much wood and surface for slats as frames. (17th) if top of frame made 3/8 inches 
thick too [illegible] frames fit in old style rabbet ends of frame or slat 1/8 or 1/16 or 3/32 inches
down and so as to clear well front and rear of hive. We now have no need of staples in 
front and rear of uprights of frame, and no more work to rabbet them to cut off 
triangular guide at the ends. In nailing the thin pieces to the bottom